ACKC Celebrates 50th Anniversary with the ACKC Jubilee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary with the ACKC Jubilee Event

Tallahassee, Florida — The Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club (ACKC) is happy to celebrate its 50th anniversary with the ACKC Jubilee, a month of events in June to honor the club’s history in paddling and building a community of paddlers in North Florida.

Founded in 1975, the ACKC has been a key place for paddling fans of all ages and skill levels. The club's first meeting was on June 26, 1975, at the Myers Park Community Room, led by Foster Rosser, Elizabeth Carter, and Art Owens. They played a significant role in starting paddlesports in the Florida Panhandle when canoeing and kayaking were uncommon, and information about paddling routes was mostly shared by word of mouth.

In the 1970s and 80s, the club helped promote paddlesport in the area. ACKC inspired the creation of other paddling groups, like the West Florida Canoe Club and the Wiregrass Canoe Club in Alabama. It also helped form the Florida Canoe and Kayaking Association, which supported paddlesport and organized an annual Paddle Fest.

ACKC has made significant contributions to the Paddling Trails program with the Department of Environmental Protection, participated in the American Rivers Florida Rivers Survey, and served on the Florida Recreational Trails Council and the Florida Greenways Commission. Club members have also taken on our paddling trips with political figures, including two governors and three senators, to raise environmental awareness.

In 1979, an ACKC member wrote a popular booklet called "Downriver Canoeing in Florida's Big Bend," which led to a grander project, "A Canoeing Guide to the Streams of Florida, Vol. I," created with help from many club members.

The ACKC Jubilee will feature various special events to combine members, supporters, and the community. Highlights include:

• June 18th Reception
• Location: Lake Jackson Community Center
• 3840 N Monroe St APT 301, Tallahassee, FL 32303
• The doors open to the public at 5 PM, with a “Celebrate 50 years of ACKC” presentation and special recognitions starting at 6:30 PM. This is a drop-in open house event with refreshments and a short presentation. Displays with photos and storyboards showing the club’s history, and a large screen slideshow of past adventures.
• Paddling down memory streams! Retrace classic routes with experienced guides while learning about the club’s early days, including stories from founding members and notable past expeditions.
• Paddles: Weekly paddles throughout June 2025. TBD at a later date. Watch our Meetup page for a listing as June gets closer. Click or scan the QR code for more information. https://tinyurl.com/ACKC-Meetup

  

• Thursday Night Paddle Series, throughout the month. Click or scan the QR code for more information. https://tinyurl.com/TNPS2025

  

• The Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club (ACKC) will hold workshops in June on water safety, conservation, and paddling skills for all levels, from beginners to advanced.

"Reaching 50 years is a big achievement that shows our members' commitment and passion," said Ron Saff, President of ACKC. "We are excited to celebrate our history and motivate the next generation of paddlers."

The ACKC Jubilee events will happen at different places in the region. For more details, including dates, times, and how to register, please visit https://tinyurl.com/ACKC-Meetup or contact [ackc.club@gmail.com](mailto:ackc.club@gmail.com).

About the Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club: Founded in 1975, ACKC is a not-for-profit group that promotes paddle sports, environmental awareness, and community engagement. The club offers opportunities for skill development, recreational paddling, and conservation advocacy, serving both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Additionally, ACKC collaborates with local schools and organizations to enhance accessibility and raise awareness of paddle sports.

We hope you will join us for some or all of our 50 year Jubilee Anniversary celebration of the founding of the Apalachee Canoe and Kayak Club. Please sign up on Meetup if you will be joining us on June 18 so we can get an accurate headcount for our food purchases.